The 3 Best Apps for Mobile Luddite Lawyers
When it comes to lawyering on the go, the smartphone changed the game, even for those luddite lawyers. However, for the luddites and those attorneys that haven't decided to go all in on a pricey enterprise solution, or a full fledged case management system that they can access from the mobile web or an app, starting slow is a good idea and can be as simple as downloading a few really helpful free apps.
From increasing your own productivity, to impressing clients with your practical and pragmatic use of technology, smartphones can make lawyering much easier. Below, you'll find the three best apps for today's lawyer on the go. (FWIW, FindLaw has no relationship to any of the below-mentioned apps).
1. PDF Scanner
When it comes to scanning docs on the go, there are several choices. One of which, Doc Scan, has been a trusted go-to mobile scanner for years. However, notably, in Apple's latest iOS 11, there is document scanning functionality built into the stock Notes app which you may want to test out before downloading anything from a third party (if you have an iOS 11 capable iPhone or iPad).
Having a good document scanner on your smartphone means that you can easily create and send pdf docs while on the go without having to visit a Kinkos or a hotel's office center. Also, recommending a smartphone scanner to individual clients that may not have access to a scanner (for sending you docs) can save a client money and a trip to their local Kinkos.
2. Dropbox
While you may be reluctant to use the cloud, the Dropbox app allows you to test out cloud functionality for free. Again, like the document scanner apps, there are plenty of cloud storage services to choose from. However, Dropbox is among the industry leaders in cloud computing, has a secure, stable platform that works on almost any device, and has a very usable free option.
3. Google Translate
A translation app might not be particularly helpful for every lawyer. But for those small firm and solo practitioners that don't want to foreclose the possibility of taking on a client who has a limited proficiency in English, a translation app could help bridge the language divide. Google Translate is available via the web and also as an app.
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